Samantha Conner Designs

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Work-from-Home Mompreneur, this spunky Texas-based designer is making it in the USA.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Samantha Conner has always had a passion for creating beautiful things. So after her first child was born prematurely and she needed to stay home, her passion took an unexpected turn.

Six years after selling her first hair bow at local craft fair -a hobby she started during her children’s nap time that blossomed into a successful home business- she’s taking her love of fun fabric combinations and bright style to the next level, and launching her own girls clothing line.

Made in the USA. Beautiful clothing and hair accessories for girls size 2T-6, Samantha Conner Designs (SCD) is a fresh take on girl’s fashion, featuring bold pattern, rich colors and lots of playful details. Created with what Samantha describes as “the busy girl” in mind, her first collections embody the idea that style and comfort go hand-in-hand. Her two daughters inspire her designs -and now, she’s noticed even they have an eye for fabric, and are learning to sew!

Manufactured locally in Garland, TX, SCD recently launched wholesale at the Dallas Market Center and is available in children’s boutiques all over the US and online. She continues to maintain a custom handmade shop at Etsy.com. Future plans for SMD include growing the business through online sales and local trunk shows.

If I can do it, then anyone can. I feel lucky that I have had the opportunity to pursue my passion. I hope that I can help others do the same by sharing my story.

Crafty Texas Girls. Want to know more about how you can live an inspired, creative life? Follow Samantha’s blog, Crafty Texas Girls, where she documents her journey of balancing motherhood, creativity and running a small business, following her dreams and turning a hobby into a thriving business.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today! SCD Photography by Erin Morman of Splendor Photography and Kristis Mills Photography.

Hudson Threads

Tweens love the bold graphics and trendy sophistication.

New York-based Hudson Threads specializes in girls clothing available in sizes 4-16, perfect for those hard-to-please tweens.

Dayna Cohen and Michele Polo pride themselves on offering styles that are both fun and easy to wear.

Look for color blocking, graphic prints, neon and more in soft, flattering fabrics. aka mix two hot trends: color blocking and neon, with great success. For instance, the Kim Dress pictures on the left, made from a Poly/Rayon/Lycra blend, is machine washable and Pucci-inspired, featuring a fun dolman sleeve design and oversized black cuffs. Where to shop and wholesale information available on the website.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

CiCi & Ryann débuts with Spring 2012

A popular designer collaborates with an acclaimed children’s photographer on a new girls clothing company.

Karen Gamble, the designer of Two Monkeys Designs/Indie Clothing Company, and sought-after Dallas, TX-based children’s photographer Jael DeYoung have débuted CiCi & Ryann, a new brand of girls clothing “where sophistication plays with hip.” CiCi & Ryann launches with a Spring 2012 line of four collections for toddlers to tweens. The designers have used a fresh mix of vibrant colors, patterns and textures to create looks that are not only new in the marketplace, but also extremely wearable, fun and fashionable. The signature Lacey Leg is a modern take on the lace legging as a ruffle pant, made of a gorgeous white stretch floral lace and adorned with an adorable ruffled bottom. In addition, Karen and Jael have designed three raincoats made from the contemporary and ultramodern laminate cottons, offering bold, colorful prints with whimsical ruffles and sparkly rhinestone button detailing.

CiCi & Ryann is undoubtedly delivering a unique and distinct look for girls’ apparel consumers. The details and special touches throughout each collection, as well as the quality of each piece, is just superb.

The designers tell me that CiCi & Ryann created quite a buzz at the Dallas Market Center during the line’s launch in August 2011. “CiCi & Ryann is sure to create the same excitement for the merchants who will be débuting our fabulous collections in their stores in just a few short months.” Some collections are set to take orders starting February 1.